Labour urged to scrap UK road schemes such as £9bn Lower Thames Crossing

Suggestion would allow government to divert money earmarked for new roads to rail and other public transport

Campaign groups have urged the government to cancel major road building schemes including the Lower Thames Crossing, amid growing speculation that ministers could divert money earmarked for new roads into rail and other public transport.

The transport secretary, Louise Haigh, is due to decide in a week whether to sign off a development consent order [DCO] for the 9bn road crossing linking Essex and Kent.